Opie Outlaw

Peace... Be Still. . .

I have many, many thoughts - yet don't quite know what to say, so I'm praying that the spirit directs my commentary here...

The blogosphere lost a tenacious "cut and paste man" with a true artist's heart...

... and a whole lot of "sparkle" (or was that "Sass"?) for me, at last week's end, with the passing of Opie Outlaw, also known as Op, or you could call him Opie... aka: Locusx1y2... aka Ricky D.... etc... etc... etc... ;-)

I loved this man.

He was a self designated "Huckleberry" to me & I loved him even more for that.

I was wishing & hoping the reason I'd not heard from him over the weekend was that he'd been down to a favorite spot of his, with family and special friend(s) in tow... Harker's Island.

Sadly, I received an e-mail this past Monday evening, sent from his cousin Tony (Saturday the 26 th) - Rick had died the night before.

He was letting me know. He said he had remembered my internet name from an earlier visit with Rick. He wanted me to let all the people on the blogs know. I've caught up with some of you - some other's will see this - some, I feel, I'll just need to track down yet and send a more private message to...

It is pure trial for me, these past few days - my psyche stretched out and purely grieved over all that I'd yet hoped to share with this rare man in my life and... yet joyful, thankful even, that I'd dared to pour out every loving bit that I could - while I could - all over him. . . Thank you God, for your wise direction and... for always, and in all ways, being the well spring between Ricky and me.

You know by now that the portrait here is one I did of Rick. It was a part of my portfolio art showing and also part of a package of items I was gathering to send to him - I have indeed sent those gifts on - to his family... and I've purposely uploaded this picture at a large imaging size (8x11.5 300 dpi) ...it may make my blog slower to load - however any extenuating family member, or friend of Rick's, who'd like to download it for keeps - should be able to get a nice print off of it - Rick never wanted a current photograph of himself posted on the internet. His sister said posting a drawn portrait, now, would be ok.

Reminders of Rick ...and his love - are every where in the world to me right now... Ironically his obituary posted on my birthday ... May 29th... and, that declairs (in part) these things:

He passed away at his home on Saturday, May 26, 2007. Rick was a retired independent trucker who spent the last fourteen years devoted to his father and battling Crohn's Disease. During this time, his spiritual life bloomed and has followed him to journey's end. He was loved and will be missed. The funeral services were to be held today (May 31, 2007).

I opened up my Hymnal this morning. Looking for some solace. . . It opened to this Hymn:

Each Life that Touches Ours for Good

...and even though I don't recall ever placing it there...
There was the scrap of paper I'd jotted down -all the "important information" on. It was all the ways to "contact" Rick, everything he thought I'd ever really need to know and to have to reach him... he insisted I write it all down, the very first time he ever talked to me about going to Harker's Island. ....

Now, I know without a shadow of doubt, nor tunring, that his spirit is only a prayer away from mine... it always has been.

Yes. Indeed, he was loved and will be missed...

God Bless all who pass this way...
Love,
D.

~

Liberty Remembers...

I got this amazing e-mail forward from an Artist friend a couple of months ago... (truth be told I have several hundred e-mails I need to look over and answer - all piled up from this past Semester - which was a "doosy").
.
.

Anywhoo... here, we see a couple before and an astounding after photo of the guy's work.




I thought the artist, subject matter and 'canvas' were extraordinary... I'm sure the photos only give you a pint-size idea and the real deal is more mind-blowing than what mere pix can convey.
.
.

Anyway... I couldn't leave it be, myself... HAD to beat the search engines up and track down his web page(s) ...so the artist, Eric Grohe, is now a side bar link, for me and for the Memorial Day / Weekend coming up, I thought you'd appreciate, every bit as much as I did, a look at this short movie tribute, with the title and honor of: 'Liberty Remembers'
.
.

I, along with 'Liberty', will be remembering and keeping that flame alive for all those that have served before us, right along with all those who do so now - they deserve our respect, faith and every prayer we can spare!
.

Wishing everyone a safe, happy, loving 'decoration day'!
.
Cheerios,
D

How Does Her Garden Grow?

... by the square foot!

My sister sent Me and our Mom on a shopping spree to the "Common Scents" gardening place (handy location - just across the highway from my house) as a special treat for my graduation and for her Mother's Day gift.
We had a good time looking over the beautiful hanging planters - in splendid full bloom, etc..., etc..., etc... plus there was a fussy little ladies "Tea tasting" going on Sunday which we enjoyed, too!

I so wanted one of the full bloom hanging plants - however decided to spare that in favor of some more practicle fare, like strawberry plants (Yep. Got them hanging NOW - lol!) and Tomatoes - which I still ended up splitting out with Mom - and some Purple Sage (2)... I got pleanty of full sun and well drained soil for those bad boys to root around in!

Just as I went to planting I noticed that my trusty trowel had some how made it to the drive and had been totally destroyed by driveway traffic. grrr... miner set back so the strawberries and 1 tomatoe got planted the old, old, old fashioned way - bare handed digging!

Well, sheesh, ya gotta sieze them moments when they're red hot - don't ya?

(I've since been to 'the Wal' and bought another cheepy)

I am hooked on the square foot gardener's philosophy when it comes down to digging in and then watching my garden turn out big dividens! I saw a feature in Better Homes and Garden's magazine a while back that had raised beds - I mean really raised beds - like up 3, 4 feet off the ground that looked like the ideal way to:
1 - foil those rascally rabbits
and
2 - save my aching back and legs from weed "tremmers" ha!

I'm just going to have to condition this back and those legs to endure as raised beds are an investment best made by a home owner - I'm not putting in all that time and expense out just yet - I need to bite the bullet and become the home owner 1st.

Anywhoo... back to my excitement in planting stuff - I wanna get most of it in by the end of the month - I'm already getting a late start by the standards of many more seriously minded area gardeners. The big bonus is the satisfaction and taste of "home grown" aint nothing like it in the
market place, IMHO, and I get the peace of mind factor, knowing that my lettuce is not going to be subject to "recall" because it may be harboring deadly microbes! It's good to know what you're getting - same reason I'm excited about getting back into a regular schedule of sorts - I'm cooking up those fresh meals at home, something I dearly love to do but was too, too pressed for time to enjoy in this last semester's push to graduate! Only thing better than THAT is cooking it up with a special someone in that there kitchen or grill pit with ya... and believe me... I'll be working on that this summer too! =)

Ah!
"Summer"..... "Summmer time, time, time" .... "and the livin's eee easy"........

.

.

.

.

On these summer mornings .... I'mma gonna rise up, rise up, singing - gonna stretch m' wings - and FLY!".... matter of fact, I already am!

(Which explains why I haven't been around the blogosphere much, y'all! Heheheee)

BTW: The 'secret garden' picture is a link to some other coolio garden pix...

Enjoy!

and

Cheerios 2U all!

D.

Graduation Day...

.



- at long last...

Accomplishment...

I've always wanted to go to school to further my creativity and my skills in 'art'.
Now, I'm graduating with my associates of applied science degree in graphic design.
Hoo-rah!
One down, 99 more 'life-time goals' still on the wall...

(I should write out that list of 100 here someday, shouldn't I?)

No time to say "Hello" "Good-bye"....

Something beautiful in the e-mail files from a beloved friend o' mine...
I saw 'em at the Art Exhibit today, in fact.
I was escorting a (surprize!) visitor - from way, way, way out of town.
I've been busy beyond belief, but - I'm none too busy, to squeeze out every moment I can in "visiting" with him and to have my Breakfast with the man, too - come sunrise, at least, that's what he suggested to me this morning. *sighs* It has been such a long time.....
More details...
forthcoming...
as I get...
through
these
last
few
d
a
y
s
=)
(Meanwhile, for those of you that just can't wait for your gardens to grow... try: this link! Just start clicking away or try a click and drag technique... Kinda fun...)

Something from Cinema4d...

A "Still shot" compostion (plus a detail from it)
-all rudimentary creations using the Cinema 4d program...
Thank you Opie, once again, for the inspiration.

=)

Gentle thoughts for today (from my e-mail friendlies)...

• The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.
• When I'm feeling down, I like to whistle. It makes the neighbor's dog run to the end of his chain and gag himself.
• The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight, because by then your body and your fat have gotten to be really good friends.
• The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a replacement.
• He who hesitates is probably right.
• Did you ever notice: The Roman Numerals for forty (40) are " XL." If you think there is good in everybody, you haven't met everybody.
• If you can smile when things go wrong, you have someone in mind to blame.
• The sole purpose of a child's middle name is so he can tell when he's really in trouble.
• There's always a lot to be thankful for if you take time to look for it. For example I am sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt
• A penny saved is a government oversight.
• Did you ever notice: When you put the 2 words "The" and "IRS" together it spells "Theirs."
  

"The Pestige" 2006

.
.
.

With little time to watch such and no time to explain it to them, my brother and nieces dropped a load of rental DVDs into my hands and sped off towards the established child exchange point – a day early, trying to out drive the storm – before the storm even hit us.

Smart move on anyone’s part, let alone, anyone living in Nebraska, facing such severe weather forecasts which always mark these, our magnificent, turbulent, jubilant springs!

I heard one niece is expressing interest in a career in the FBI – and this is the one that couldn’t say enough good things recommending the above movie, “The Prestige”, to me a minimum of, like, 3 times…. =)

A bit of my heart went with them… as it normally does, each time I must face off the departure of dear ones. I was at once disappointed that our ‘Girl’s Luncheon’ had been pre-empted by the incoming menacing weather and happy they’d been able to come at all. We’d almost had ‘an even dozen’ at my place for the holiday last weekend…. Love, laughter, a little bit of learning, and a bunch of good food – adding strength to those family ties.

I was so tired, finishing up a double run of reports last night, at work. I am desperate over the thought of any hindrance to the schoolwork I need to complete right now. I am truly hoping I am not coming down with a light case of walking pneumonia. (<- this is my mantra of the day today!) and thinking back to last night…. I was thanking my lucky stars on the drive home, that the snow fall, which had been as near perfect as any I’d ever witnessed, with it’s large fluffy flakes, falling lazy-like, down from the sky… that this terrible storm had steadily depreciated in estimates in each sequential forecast throughout the day (1st: 10 to 12 inches!, Next: 8 to 10 inches! Thereafter: up to 6 – 7 inches! 4-6! So on and so forth… reminded me of a rather raunchy comedy bit I’d seen one time out on the California coast, butt… that would be a whole ‘nuther post! heh.) By my late, drive time home, last night, we’d seen a bunch of moisture – another desperate, needful thing in these parts – and absolutely no accumulation. Magical.


Which brings me back to “The Prestige” – it was an interesting film. (yep. Watched it. Tired. Spent, really. Not feeling too good. I reasoned that the movie would be a welcome deviation and momentary escape – my gamble paid off, too.) I liked it. Magic, trickery, mystery, artistry, and some science, with ending twists I certainly enjoyed.


Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson, Michael Caine play out well, here and I scarcely recognized David Bowie in his portrayal of Nikola Tesla…

Not for the 13 and under crowd, (there’s a couple death scenes not good for little kids, I think) however, if you’ve an interest in something thought provoking and a bit twisty and haven’t viewed this one yet – you might give it a spin in the ol’ DVD player.

I’ll not be posting much between now and graduation.
Nevertheless...
Cheerios 2U - all!
=)
D.~

FAITH

A late 'Easter' post - concerning faith...
love these scriptures from the Book of Mormon:

….By faith all things are fulfilled…
Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.
(Ether 12: 3-4)

… I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith….

For it was by faith that Christ showed himself unto our fathers, after he had risen from the dead; and he showed not himself unto them until after they had faith in him; wherefore, it must needs be that some had faith in him, for he showed himself not unto the world.

But because of the faith of men he has shown himself unto the world, and glorified the name of the Father, and prepared a way that thereby others might be partakers of the heavenly gift, that they might hope for those things which they have not seen.

Wherefore, ye may also have hope, and be partakers of the gift, if ye will but have faith.

Behold it was by faith that they of old were called after the holy order of God.

Wherefore, by faith was the law of Moses given. But in the gift of his Son hath God prepared a more excellent way; and it is by faith that it hath been fulfilled.
(Ether 12: 6-11)

Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.
(Moroni 7:37)

Dear Lord,

Strengthen my faith - that I might serve thee continually, and well!

Amen!

Don't know what she's complaining about... LOVE a hard workin' fellow with a creative vibe....
Good luck with all your dye jobs!
;-)

Tracks...

Ah! The tracks of a certain cottontail...

I'm not convinced snowfall at Easter time is an Easter Bunnie's best friend!?
2 things:
1 - Proof, for kids ... "Easter Bunny" lives!

2 - My little Easter bunny has got himself a friend...
;-)

April Fool's & still together ...

Happy anniversary to the Queen of Panic and her handsome hubby the Arch Nappster!

You were so in love (& still are!) it made my heart glad to be there with you - on your wedding day!

Thanks for all the love the 2 of you have brought... to each other, to your families, and into the world - through the uncountable kindnesses and gentle encouragements you've served up to your friends, neighbors, and the occasional, wayfaring soul.
My universe is a better place through the addition of your 2 sons - what noble princes lie beneath their roughish smiles and amiable characters!!!
Yes, I'm in love with them - I LOVE you all, and can't hardly wait to see and visti with you again.... looking forward to that day, praying "safe travels" for you - always and all ways!
=)
Love and Hugs,
D.
PS- This post was no hoax, however if you're in a foolish mood today you can click to the Museum of Hoax's quiz made up especially for April Fool's!

.
Hey. This one's for that friend "out there" struggling for strength and for balance. Actually, I know a couple of you that are....
My prayers are with you through this time of uncertainty and change. Take courage, and take inventory.... what is it you are learning from this? YOU are not alone, there IS love in the world for you...
I love you.

Have a sweet weekend and try not to get all caught up...
in
the
Landslide...
.
I took my love and I took it down
Climbed a mountain and turned around
And I saw my reflection in the snow-covered hills
'til the landslide brought it down

Oh, mirror in the sky -What is love?
Can the child within my heart rise above?
Can I sail through the changin'...ocean tides
Can I handle the seasons of my life?
I don't know.....I don't know

Well I've been afraid of changin'
because I've built my life around you
But time makes you bolder, even children get older
And I'm getting older too....

So, take my love...take it down
Climb a mountain and turn around
and if you see my reflection in the snow-covered hills...
well the landslide will bring it down
The landslide will bring it down

Line Rider

Reviewed as the Etch-o-Sketch for the U-Tube generation, you can find "Line Rider"
by using those key words in any good search engine... or just click the link ^ there!
"Top Line Rider" is a site that has some pretty inventive road trips already outlined (yep. pun intended) for the little rider dude. Check it out if you've got another spare moment or 3.
Special thanks to the "Bipanator" for turning me on to this cool and groovy site!

Trashball

NPR comes up with some crazy stuff - (exactly why I like it)!
I found this interesting tid bit under their Arts & Culture tab this past weekend. (CLICK the link and you can listen to the story)
Christopher Goodwin's blog can be found here:
TRASHBALL! A SUBSIDIARY OF EX-COMMUNICATED COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
.
Made me slow down a bit to think: how fascinating, how ironic, too!
Oh, to revisit & really examine what we've throw away -and/or- see something we've deemed useless, close up, from another's perspective - someone like Mr. Good win perhaps...

My packrat Mother once told me to toss an unopened letter from an insurance carrier -she'd let the policy lapse... I pointed out that she'd not even opened the darn thing! She maintained it was trash and of 'no interest' at all, until I torn it open - [saying I was at least going to see what they'd had to say to her]. It was one a good time to be a disobedient child! I found a $230.00 check enclosed. They had refunded her premiums! Boy Howdy! Did her tune change then! Talk about one person's trash being another's treasure! lol! That was cold cash there, people!

Then... the other side of the "coin", so to speak... what kind of garbage do we hang on to - in our homes, and in our lives, that we should really, really pitch?
I mean, I've had ugly little items in my house - even moved them with me (!!?) - from one place to another - that I've absolutely hated. Couldn't stand to even look at them... why then did I keep them?
I've resolved a few years back to stop that. Boy, does it feel good to toss an ugly! I've been working on being "ruthless", when it comes to weeding out bricker-brack & with a packrat Mom, God knows I need to be! (She handed me a sack of "stuff" the other day - that I didn't need, but now have to go through, before I pitch it... because, YOU KNOW, If I try to pitch it before going through it, I'll have that mental flashback to the $230 check incident! LOL!!!)

Humm, some of us maybe inspired to do some Spring Cleaning...
so...
What about you?
You ever trash something you wish you could get back?
or...
You got anything you've been hanging on to - that has absolutely no use or value to you?

=)

Spring Fevers...

.

.
OK. I confess. I pop over to Cathcy Color's Photo Blog every now and again - mainly to de-stress...
I may have spent too many hours in the laboratory, though, because, I do believe there's something... um, "sexy" about this tulip photo. . .
lol!
(Golly. I hope I still respect that flower and this post come morning!)
.
.
.
(Go ahead. Click it. Enlarge it. so... you can get a reeeally good look at it. you know you want to... lol!)

Author Unknown

.

1st things first! "Happy Birthday" to my sister! Love & LOVE s'more! Hope your day was everything you needed it to be!
Now then...
I had this drafted for a ArtZ Friday post. I just couldn't get to an honest internet connection to load it up last night...
I did this work in my first semester Photoshop class.
It was an assignment in photo composition.
It has undergone quite the transition since I first began it.
I plan on displaying the original photographs I used and the one or 2 'earlier' versions I have saved - before I arrived at this final piece, when I put up my work in the gallery, here at the Wrightstone, at semester's end.
(That's the last thing. to display/show our portfolio pieces.)
And I am at peace with the piece. lol! check the phrase-ology, I crack myself up sometimes!
I really liked the way it turned out.
I have shown finished prints to a few people already and they have asked me for copies.
I did give one to my boss for her husband - she said she wanted to make a gift out of it, to him.
She said the text, "Take with you words...."
Have a special meaning for him and between the 2 of them.

How cool is that?

=)
Dig it.

Cheerios (and nothing but good words) to you all!
dP

PS: You can click on it to enlarge, however because of the layers I had to reduce the image and so lost quite a bit from the original in order to post it on the web - so I don't believe any copy will print too well... e-mail me directly if you'd like a decent print.

Happy Spring!

Sushi Ya-Ya: I

.


.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Take a look at these 2 web site home page designs and ... tell me what you think, 'K?
The imanginary "client" is a restaurant named: Sushi Ya-Ya.
The assignment is to come up with 2 rough designs for a web site.
This is design 1.
The site concept and metephor is "A Beachcomber's treasure"
Navigation will be through the thumbnails on the left.
Supporting pages include:
• About us
• Locations
• Menus
• Contact us
• Novelty Shop

Primary target end users would be young professionals -